Grant Strengthens Santa Barbara’s Art From Scrap Org

A grant from Social Venture Partners as one of its 2011 Green Energy and Environmental Investees in the form of a check for $36,800 strengthens Art From Scrap (AFS) commitment to educating children about ecology and teaching them how their actions affect the environment. Every year the Art From Scrap Green Schools program educates over 11,000 children about the 3 R’s, natural resources, healthy watersheds, composting, and organic gardening. In the Green Schools classes and presentations taught at the Watershed Resource Center , AFS ReUse Store, and local schools, children learn that they do have a choice and the power to create positive environmental change.

Social Venture Partners Santa Barbara is a network of individuals who combine skills and knowledge to offer investees their collective expertise in best business practices. The SVPSB model of giving differs from traditional philanthropy in that it is a multi-year program that offers time, money, and connections to investees with the goal of strengthening their organizations as a whole.

Cay Sanchez, executive director of Art from Scrap, thanked the investor firm for their vote of confidence. AFS Reuse Store and Art Programs encourage kids and adults to rethink the way they view “discarded” materials and to seek creative solutions for their reuse through Art Workshops, Birthday Parties, free art activities at many community events, and at exhibitions at the AFS Gallery. artfromscrap.org